Is there a specific reason this subject is brought up here instead of Newbie Board? Sounds too general and common-sense to me. Of course hobbists and providers need to be careful, even posting here, and there always alligations of LE infilterating TER.
Caution and research, my fellow gentlemen. Stay safe!
Have no illusions that local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies also have no illusions about what this board, BP, Eros, etc. are all about. Assume that they have VIP membership and might even be PM-ing you or posing as a provider/hobbyist as applicable. A public site with 932,682 reviews is not exactly UTR.
However, the local law enforcement agencies, and the federal authorities in particular, prioritize their efforts in sensible ways.
The Feds are very interested in underage or illegal immigrant trafficking, violence, or association with other types of higher priority crime (e.g., drugs, money-laundering). If you punch one of these buttons and run into them, be prepared for a world of hurt or at the very least an offer of a suspension of charges in exchange for an offer to appear as a cooperating witness. If she is underage, you might get the opportunity to actually meet Bernie Madoff.
The local cops (at least around here) have the good sense to prioritize toward violent crime and public nuisances that generate citizen complaints. For the most part, they aren't going to care about someone who is completely discreet and draws no attention to him- or herself. Streetwalkers and cruising johns are obviously a quality of life issue in some neighborhoods, but so are clients or providers who make scenes in public or a hotel bar or who shock Joe-Sally-and-the-kids-visiting-from-Cleveland-for-Spring-Break by inappropriate dress or behavior in the hotel lobby. An obvious parade of strange men into a woman's apartment or hotel room may freak out more than just nosy neighbors. Many hotels are happy to host very discreet providers so long as it doesn't reflect on their image by letting others know what is going on. Threaten their business by doing so, and they will be the allies and assistants of the local gendarmes
